![]() Unfortunately, problems related to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other cancer treatments can last a long time. Problems related to cancer in the brain usually get better with treatment. Medication problems also go away after you stop taking the medication or take a different dose. For example, treating anemia or an electrolyte problem usually makes the problems go away. Some problems with attention, thinking, and memory go away when you get treatment for the condition causing them. Managing attention, thinking, and memory problems Your role in the family changing because of cancer and treatment One or more of your body's organs not working well (organ failure)Įarning less or losing your regular income Problems with your body's levels of electrolytes, or specific vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, vitamin B, or folic acid Other conditions or symptoms related to cancer or treatment can affect your attention, thinking, and memory. Infections, especially in the brain and spinal cord, and infections that cause a high fever. Medications for depression, anxiety, heart problems, or sleep problems Medications that make your immune system less active This could be a tumor that starts in the brain or cancer that spreads from somewhere else. A biopsy or surgery can damage or disrupt areas of the brain.īrain cancer. Radiation therapy to your head, neck, or entire body.īrain surgery. The general stress of a cancer diagnosis may play a role.īesides chemotherapy, causes of these problems can include: In fact, some people have attention, thinking, and memory problems before they have any treatment. But people who do not have chemotherapy also have these problems. You may hear the word "chemobrain" to describe difficulty thinking clearly after chemotherapy. Causes of attention, thinking, and memory problems Attention, thinking, and memory problems are just as important as other symptoms during treatment. It is called palliative care or supportive care. Managing symptoms is an important part of cancer care and treatment. Talk with your doctor if you or your loved one develop these symptoms. How much help you have access to for mental and emotional problems If you had depression or anxiety in the past Your type of cancer, where it is, and your treatment How severe these problems are depends on many factors, including: You might have mood swings, get angry or cry at unusual times, or act differently in social situations. You may act in ways you never did before. You might also notice changes in your emotions and behavior. Problems doing more than one thing at a time. Trouble concentrating, focusing, or paying attention.ĭifficulty remembering things, such as names, dates, or phone numbers.įeeling disoriented, like you are in a "mental fog." You might have difficulty finding your way around.įeeling very confused, taking longer to deal with new information, or having difficulty understanding things.ĭifficulty making decisions or thinking things through.ĭifficulty organizing your thoughts or doing mental tasks, such as finding the right word or balancing your checkbook. Signs of attention, thinking, and memory problems can include the following. Signs of attention, thinking, and memory problems The information below tells you how to recognize these problems and what to do. Even mild problems can make daily activities difficult. Attention, thinking, and memory problems can be more or less severe. More than 70% of people with cancer have these problems, and about a third of people still have them after treatment. The medical term for this is "cognitive problems." You may have problems thinking, paying attention, and remembering things when you have cancer.
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